Zhejiang Shaoxing's bronze carving craft selected as a national intangible cultural heritage; artisans call for protection of traditional craftsmanship

Recently, the fifth batch of Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Project List was announced, with the bronze carving technique of Shaoxing successfully included. This thousand-year-old metal carving art has finally gained recognition, but the inheritors still face the challenge of a lack of successors.

A Thousand-Year Craft, Passed Down with Craftsmanship

The Shaoxing Copper Sculpture originated during the Warring States period, renowned for its exquisite engraving, bas-relief, and hollowing techniques. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shaoxing copper sculptures were widely used in temple Buddha figures and scholars' utensils. Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor Zhao Xiulin explains: "Shaoxing copper sculptures emphasize the importance of 'the spirit in the blade work,' every cut must be precise; a single mistake can render the entire piece废." The three-year labor of his "Lanting Ji Xu" copper sculpture screen, which reproduces Wang Xizhi's calligraphy in bas-relief, is hailed as "the Lanting on copper."

Market Shrinks, Heritage Faces Challenges

Despite their exquisite craftsmanship, the demand for Shaoxing bronze sculptures has been decreasing year by year. Zhao Xiulin admits, "Young people today are more inclined to learn computer design, and fewer and fewer are willing to take the time to study bronze sculpture." To save this art form, the local government has established special support funds and plans to offer bronze sculpture interest classes in primary and secondary schools to cultivate the next generation of artisans.

The Director of the Non-Heritage Cultural Protection Center in Shaoxing City said, "Being selected as a level非物质文化遗产 marks a new beginning. In the future, we will promote the understanding and appreciation of bronze sculpture art through cultural tourism integration and digital displays."